Based on the true story of the free-spirited daughter of Queen Victoria.
Princess Louise’s life is upended after her father’s untimely death. Captive to the queen’s overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother’s tight circle of control and is eventually relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother—the same position each of her sisters held until they were married.
Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen’s wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day’s political matters, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter.
Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria, but finding a match for the princess is no easy feat. Protocols are broken, and Louise exerts her own will as she tries to find an open-minded husband who will support her free spirit.
In the Shadow of a Queen is the story of a battle of wills between two women: a daughter determined to forge her own life beyond the shadow of her mother, and a queen resolved to keep the Crown’s reputation unsullied no matter the cost.
Zoie's Review:
Coming from someone who isn’t drawn to romance novels, I really liked this book. The book takes places over a span of about a decade. Princess Louise grows from a child into a woman. This book is written in a way that the time progresses naturally, even though it is over a significant amount of time. Louise’s points of view seem fitting for her age throughout the novel. There are plenty of tragedies that the characters have to deal with, but the tragedies aren’t overwhelming. The book is well balanced between tragedy, working past the tragedy, and everyday life. Even with the many characters (Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, their nine children and others), it is easy to follow their lives. Louise’s struggle to be independent while also being under the constraints of royalty is written in a way that it is admirable. Overall, this was a very good book, and I would recommend it. It’s easy to read and entertaining.
Rorie's Review:
I have always enjoyed historical fiction, so this story caught my eye. The way the story is written drew me in right away, and I finished the book in just a few days. While there really isn't anything "exciting" about this story, it was intriguing to read about Princess Louise's life. I can't even imagine being a royal and having little to no say in even the minute details of my life. I found it fascinating to learn about this family, and even read most of the chapter notes at the end of the book, because they helped give me more of a glimpse into the lives of Louise and her family.
About the Author:
Learn more about Heather and her books at www.hbmoore.com.
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